Chemistry Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is often called the ‘central science,’ because it focuses on the fundamental building blocks of the world. Such apparently simple occurrences as water’s condensation and evaporation, the burning of wood, or the changing colors of leaves form those blocks.
Chemistry is defined as the study of the basic structure of matter: what substances are made of, their properties, how they act, and how they interact.
Chemistry is everywhere: in our air, our bodies, our water, our clothes, our compact discs, our books, our sports equipment and our cars. Understanding chemicals - whether those in your own home or at a chemical plant nearby - will be important throughout your entire life. You will need to make choices about environmental legislation, cars to buy, and foods to eat. Having a good understanding of the chemistry involved will help you make the best choices for your life.
Chemistry requires students to be critical thinkers, and to develop strong scientific, analytical, mathematical and communication skills. Another important quality of a chemist is creativity. The field is both highly individualistic and creative, providing an opportunity for students intrigued by the world of ideas to cultivate originality and personal initiative.
Students should be prepared for careers in which they may control every aspect of a project and accept personal responsibility for its success or failure.
The work of a chemist may range from helping to create a safer environment or attempting to unlock nature’s mysteries to addressing future energy needs. Chemistry professionals have employment opportunities throughout the world - government, industry, schools, and private organizations - at various levels of responsibility. Chemists are involved in an amazing breadth of careers including research chemist, lab supervisor, teacher, manager, public health professional, technical writer and many more.
A chemist is a scientist involved in research and development or production. They make new compounds and materials and discover ways to use known materials for new purposes. They are also problem solvers, teachers, and consultants.
Chemistry is also central to the development of new technologies and advances in other sciences. As such, chemists find opportunities in areas not traditionally thought of as chemistry.
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What can a degree in Chemistry from Saint Francis University do for you?
A degree from Saint Francis University helped prepare our alumni to be:
Research Chemists
Physicians
Graduate Students
Oral Surgeons
Presidents of Companies
Dentists
Analytical and Physical Chemists
Optometrists
Division Heads
Senior and Chief Chemists
Attorneys
Managers and Directors
Consultants
Dermatologists
Safety Analysts
Urologists
Project Leaders
Vice-Presidents of Companies
Nuclear Engineers
Marketing Representatives
Software Support Engineers
Professors and Teachers
Process Engineers
General Managers and Business Managers
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Advantages
Consider the benefits of selecting the Saint Francis University Chemistry Program
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Flexible Curriculum Tracks
Flexible curriculum tracks enable students to tailor their course of study to individual goals including secondary education, pre-medicine/pre-professional, industrial, environmental or graduate school preparation.
Comprehensive Scientific Base
Comprehensive scientific base that covers the major areas of chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical and analytical. A recent external review praised the solid foundation provided by the department’s curriculum.
Hands-on Learning
Hands-on learning in which students bring classroom theories to life through laboratory work and computer simulations and visualizations. Access to the Internet and the World Wide Web provide further learning opportunities.
Access to Technology
Access to technology, including a chemistry workstation laboratory equipped with five IBM multi-media computers developed through a National Science Foundation grant used to supplement lab work and analyze data. In addition, the department’s major equipment includes Perkin-Elmer Atomic Absorption, Infra-Red, and Diode Array UV-Vis spectrophotometers, and also a Shimadzu gas chromatograph.
Opportunities for Research
Individual opportunities for research help turn learning into marketable work experience. Research projects can be pursued in collaboration with faculty. Environmentally focused problems are central to these studies.
Highly Favorable Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, which allows for close interaction between students and faculty in teaching, research and advising. Average class size is 15 students. The advising ratio is even more favorable at 5.
Recognition of Achievement
Recognition of achievement through student awards that include the Chemical Rubber Company Freshman Chemistry Award, the Chemistry Department Award, the Society for Analytical Chemistry of Pittsburgh Award and the American Institute of Chemists Award.
Highly Qualified Faculty
Highly qualified faculty, which includes four doctorates (Ph.D.) In addition, the faculty brings academic, research and industry experience, and has published articles in such recognized journals as Organic Chemistry, Journal of American Chemical Society and Inorganic Chemistry.
Opportunities
Our students are highly successful in obtaining significant internship placements at numerous institutions. These have included The Pennsylvania State University, AT&T, University of Utah, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Syracuse University, Mountain Research, Los Alamos Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Roswell Park Memorial Institute, etc.
The Chemistry Club
The Chemistry Club, a student affiliate of the American Chemical Society, and a division of the Joint Technology Association at Saint Francis University, advances students’ learning experiences through speakers, community service projects and field visits to environmental settings, industrial sites, graduate schools and professional organizations. The Club is also highly active in ROCK (Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids), a Chemistry Department initiative that goes into the local rural high schools and fosters an interest in chemistry and in science.
Uniqueness
Your chemistry study, involving intimate usage of computer technology, will be blended with a strong, dynamic, and innovative General Education Program in which you will learn to speak, write and critically think, essential characteristics of successful individuals entering the twenty-first century.
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